Ballroom Wedding Dance

Can I purchase Dance Lesson Gift Certificates, or add Dance Lessons to my Gift Registry?

How long are the lessons?

Lessons are 55 minutes long

When should I start?

Because of a Bride and Groom's hectic schedule, dance lessons should be started at least 3 months prior to the wedding day. I recommend beginning 5-6 months before the big day to allow time to become truly comfortable dancing together, but the minimum is three. This allows for flexible scheduling and ample time to perfect the dance. Lessons will expire one year after purchase, except in special situations.

What is a Trial lesson?

One lesson can be a $40 Trial class, a 50 minute session at our convenient Midtown location, divided into two parts: For about forty-five minutes, we're dancing. I'll introduce three or four dances (generally Foxtrot, Rumba, Waltz, & Swing, or a previously selected, more advanced, dance) to get our feet wet and let me get a feel for you. We'll find out what you're looking for, and see how we can best work together.
The rest of the time is devoted to working out your goals, a lessons plan, if appropriate, and how I can best assist you.

When are the lessons taught?

Lessons are scheduled on a first request basis: Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Weekends: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (subject to availability)

Where are the classes?

I teach at 37 West 26th Street, 9th Floor (between 6th Ave and 5th Ave/ Broadway) Other locations: by special arrangement.

Will my dress affect our dance?

Yes. It should be 1/2' off the floor all the way around so you don't step on it when dancing backwards. Also, if the bodice is tightly fitted or strapless, you may not be able to raise your arms up to do a twirl. (So we'll just have to modify that twirl, so you don't have to raise your arms!)

Cancellation policy.

24 hours notice is required to cancel without charge. Contact Peter at 917-375-3027.

What should we wear?

Wear something comfortable, but ladies, please don't wear open-toed shoes. As you are learning, there will inevitably be occasions when, yes, he might step on your toes. (You will learn how to dance with him so that your toes are always clear.) Also, ladies, don't wear your actual wedding shoes to the first lesson, though if you have similar heels, they are fine. A good rule is just to wear comfortable shoes, but not flip flops or sandles, as they are difficult to dance in.

What is the instructor's background, training and references?

A certified dance instructor for seventeen years (Ballroom, Latin, Ballet, and Jazz), Peter is a Broadway Theater Institute Faculty Fellow and an instructor with and on the Board of Directors of the Manhattan Dance/ Theater. He has taught at Fred Astaire (East 86th Street), Pierre Dulaine Dance Studio, Broadway Dance Center, Cornell University, at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), and at Lincoln Center. He is staff/ Faculty at the Theater Workshop. Peter trained under Pierre Dulaine, Cailin Heffernan, and Lyle Bradshaw.